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"The face of the operation is Briatore (referred to exclusively in the film by his colleagues and angry, chanting detractors as "Flavio"), an anthropomorphic radish who spends most of his time at QPR plotting to fire all of the managers."

At press time, Harbaugh had sent Michigan’s athletic department an envelope containing a heavily annotated seating chart, a list of the 63,000 seat views he had found unsatisfactory, and a glowing 70-page report on section 25, row 12, seat 9, which he claimed is “exactly what the great sport of football is all about.”

That leaves Michigan seemingly down to two options for the last two spots in the class. The first is VA RB Derrick Green, one of many prospects (mostly 2014 recruits at this point) to receive an in-school visit from Michigan this week—in his case, Brady Hoke and Fred Jackson ($). Scout's Michael Clark penned a lengthy (and free) profile on Green, focusing on his rise from 268-pound freshman to nation's top running back [emphasis mine]:

“The first time we saw him, he was eighth-grader and we were doing 7-on-7 (drills) and he came out and watched,” said Kane. “He was a little chunky at the time. He said what a lot of kids say -- I want to be a running back. We said OK, that’s fine. But in your mind, you’re thinking he’d probably be a good looking offensive guard.”

You know the story by now: Green cut down to 220 pounds and by his sophomore year was starting for Hermitage. Work ethic should not be an issue here.

Michigan's other main target is TX TE Durham Smythe, who also received a visit this week. 247's Jason Sapp caught up with Smythe to run down his five finalists—Michigan, Oregon, and Stanford lead the pack, with Nebraska and Notre Dame under consideration—and here's what he had to say about the Wolverines ($):

Michigan – “The biology/medial program at Michigan is among the best in the nation, and since that is what I want to study, that was something that draws me in about them. Also, the fact that they are making the switch to a two tight end, pro-style offense is attractive as well.”

Smythe says a decision will come on signing day or "a few days prior," and he's got visits lined up to Oregon and Michigan, with Nebraska and Notre Dame in the running for his final official.

[Hit THE JUMP for a rundown of the final 2013 Top247, the latest on Drake Harris, and much more.]

Final Top247: Morris Drops, Again

247Sports released their final 2013 Top247, and while a couple Michigan commits made big rises, the most noticeable change is Shane Morris falling from five-star territory down to #81. Here's a full list of the movement of Wolverine commits:

For the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Morris, he continues to struggle with the accuracy aspect of being a passer, and this was especially evident the week of the Under Armour All-America game. With that being said, Morris still has plenty of potential and will likely start making gains in the accuracy department as he works to get more compact in his motion.

It's tough to argue here; Morris has had uneven performances dating back to before he got mono. His potential, with that arm strength, is sky high, but he's still got a ways to go; Devin Gardner getting his redshirt is huge not just for the team as a whole, but also Morris's development.

While Morris's stock has taken a hit on the national level, he's still very highly regarded in-state, of course; the Detroit News released their Blue Chip list of the top 2013 recruits, and Morris takes the top spot. The full list is littered with Michigan commits: Morris (#1), David Dawson (#2), Jourdan Lewis (#4), Wyatt Shallman (#6), Delano Hill (#9), Khalid Hill (#10), Da'Mario Jones (#11), and Csont'e York (#13).

Drake Harris: Days As A Spartan Numbered?

2014 Grand Rapids Christian WR Drake Harris, in the conversation for top in-state rising senior with Malik McDowell and Damon Webb, committed to Michigan State in June with thoughts of being a two-sport athlete. Now Harris is dropping one of those sports, and that has major ramifications for his recruitment:

"I'm committed (to MSU)," [Harris] said Wednesday. "When I committed to Michigan State it was initially to play both football and basketball. But I've decided to just play football. I talked to my parents about it. They said it was my choice. Before the state playoffs I thought football would be the sport for me, but I wanted to wait and see what happens. I like basketball a lot. I've been playing AAU since the third grade (but) it's getting old. I feel football is best for me."

Ohio State dropped by an offered Harris this week, and now he's planning unofficial visits to Ohio State and Florida next month, with Michigan, Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, and Notre Dame also under consideration. The good news for Michigan is two-fold: Michigan State appears likely to lose their top 2014 commit, and the Wolverines should be in the mix to land him.

In other 2014 news, Michigan sent out a few offers this week. Per 247's Clint Brewster, IL TE Daniel Helmpicked up an offer from Jeff Hecklinski($); the 6'2", 220-pound prospect also holds an offer from Illinois.

Cleveland St. Ignatius linebacker Kyle Berger received offers from Michigan and Penn State within a matter of hours on Tuesday, per Scout's Bill Greene ($). Berger camped at Michigan last summer and could look to follow in the footsteps of a former St. Ignatius standout 'backer: Jake Ryan.

Etc.

ESPN's Chantel Jennings caught up with the Cass Tech commit trio of David Dawson, Delano Hill, and Jourdan Lewis for the entertaining video above, as well as a free article on the motivation provided by coach Thomas Wilcher:

"I keep it real with them -- this is what you have to do; this is what your game lacks," Wilcher said. "We fuss at them, scream at them, we yell at them. We're trying to keep them accountable."

Never underestimate The Threat's ability to make an impact on or off the field. MLive's Kyle Meinke talked to Dan Samuelson, who credited Drew Dileo as a major reason he committed to Michigan:

Sameulson made an official visit on Saturday, and felt comfortable in Ann Arbor, which he said compares to his hometown of Plymouth. He was hosted by senior receiver Drew Dileo.

"He was absolutely awesome," Samuelson said. "We're from different areas, play different positions and all that stuff, but I related to him so well. He took time out of his whole weekend to be with me, and said 'Whatever you want to do, Dan, we can do it. It's up to you.'

"He was just awesome. I would say he was a huge factor in me committing there, with how cool he was."

Very doubtful, in my opinion. Hunt and Dan Skipper both had high interest when Samuelson committed, but neither were on the verge of a commitment; I don't believe that's changed, nor do I think the coaches would tell Hunt one thing and Skipper another.

Smythe has a pretty impressive offer list that seems a pretty stark contrast to his recruit rankings at rivals (although he is a 4* on espn/scout). Notably, ND, stanford, florida, georgia, oregon, texas, texas a&m, and nebraska. Perhaps he will rise in the latest rankings at rivals too...not that it matters to me - seems like a great prospect.

I'm not sure why, but it seems like the recruiting services are usually pretty stingy with star ratings for tight ends. In a given year you might see 0-2 TEs get five stars and maybe 3-6 more get four. So if a TE prospect has 4-stars and a good offer sheet, to me that suggests he's one of the top TE prospects in the nation.

"You will suffer humiliation when the team from my area defeats the team from your area." -- The Onion

I let my attention wander for a few years there between say 1998 and 2009. So they made it farther in the tourney with Big Baby Davis and Tyrus Thomas (and a coach who didn't last another two seasons) than they did with Shaq. Weird.

still need a TE in the 2014 class? It seems that Williams, Hill, Funchess, Butt, and Smythe would be enough for now. The roster surprisingly lists 7 more TE's who are walk-ons and not seniors. Granted, those guys will probably never see much if any action.

"You owe it to every man, woman, and child in the State of Michigan to beat the Buckeyes and silence their fans! Now go out there and make it happen!"

If Hoke is going to run a 2-TE set, then having Williams, Hill, Funchess, Butt and Smythe would not preclude taking another in 2014.

That's only 5 players for 2 starting spots. (You can't really count the walk-ons, as, like you noted, they will probably never see any real action.) Once we rebuild our depth across the board, we will get back to a place where we can redshirt most of our incoming classes. So, in 2014, we would have Juniors in Funchess and Williams, Sophs in Hill, Butt and Smythe (some of whom will be RS Freshman) and enough depth for the 2014 TE to redshirt. In 2015, with seniors Funchess and Williams (and who knows if both will work out, remain injury free or even stay at the position), juniors / RS Sophs in Hill, Butt and Smythe, you would expect that this 2014 TE would work his way onto the field for a few plays, as an injury replacement, in special teams, or if he is so good, perhaps more action. By 2016, as a RS soph, he would work his way into regular action along side Hill, Butt and Smythe (also assuming that all three of those workout, don't get injured and stick at the position.

I agree we obviously need high quality WR recruits- not sure that they NEED to be stretch the field guys.

Hoke and co. seem to be going after tall WR to be TD targets, and going two-TE and MANBALL suggests our future offense will be a possession offense- with the ability to put togehter consistent long drives and wear down defenses.

Sure stretch the field guys would be great- but that type of offense is very prone to high turnover offenses- I am prefectly content with a lot of TE action and possession routes with a MANBALL running game.

Two of the 24/7 guys were on Bill King this morning and stated they think Smythe is a better athlete than Jake Butt. They also said that if can get enrolled at Stanford then that is probably the place he ends up. :(